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Head of Clinical Operations

NHS

Job Description

Job summary

Job Title: Head of Clinical Operations Location: Stratford Upon Avon Hospital Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for delivering exceptional healthcare services? Stratford Upon Avon Hospital is seeking an accomplished Head of Clinical Operations to drive the growth and excellence of our Private Patient Unit (PPU) and pharmacy services. Reporting directly to the Director of Clinical Operations , this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of private healthcare and play a pivotal role in our leadership team.

About the Role

As the Head of Clinical Operations , you will lead the strategic and operational management of private healthcare services, ensuring they are safe, compliant, and financially sustainable. You'll also support the integration and transformation of pharmacy services, championing innovation and operational excellence.

This role is at the heart of our healthcare transformation strategy, where you will work closely with the Director of Clinical Operations and the senior leadership team to enhance patient and consultant experiences, optimise processes, and deliver outstanding outcomes.

Main duties of the job

The Head of Clinical Operations will lead the strategic and operational management of the Trust's Private Patient Unit (PPU), ensuring safe, compliant, and financially sustainable private healthcare services. The role involves delivering excellent patient and consultant experiences, driving service development, and supporting strategic objectives. The post holder will also deputise for the Associate Director when required.

About us

SWFT Clinical Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of the South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT). The company provides a number of services such as outpatient pharmacy facilities at Warwick and Stratford and Nuneaton hospitals; estates and facilities management at Stratford hospital, Acorn House and Lillington Health Hub; private patient service and consultancy services to NHS Trusts.

Subject to the Company and individual's performance, an annual discretionary bonus will be awarded.

There is automatic enrolment to the Company pension scheme, with the Company contributing 5%.

A benefits package is available to the appointed candidate upon successful completion of the six month probationary period. This gives access to benefits such as a car lease scheme; Home & Electronics scheme; discounted leisure and travel; retail discounts and a cycle to work scheme.

Where is also access to a 24/7, 365 days a year Employee Assistance Programme to support colleagues who may be facing some tough times or they need extra support with their mental well-being.

Job responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Director of Clinical Operations, the postholder will support the Directorates business strategy as well as providing robust leadership and management of all aspects of the Companys private patient provision.

In addition, this role will provide support and deputise for the Associate Director of Operations Transformation for all areas within this directorate, including Pharmacy Services.

The postholder will ensure that services are legislatively compliant and be responsible for providing safe, effective, and efficient services which meet the needs of patients and wider stakeholders.

The postholder will have specific responsibility for realising the return on investment of public funds, to create and sustain high-quality Private Patient Services and to:

  • Routinely capture all Private Patient income.
  • Improve the Private Patient offering and experience (for both patients and consultants as customers).
  • Enable services to generate additional revenue, to be reinvested in the Trust for the continued provision and development of healthcare for all patients.

This will be achieved through developing and implementing appropriate SOPs and policies (clinical and non-clinical) and business development opportunities in conjunction with the Company and Trust leadership teams.

The postholder will also develop and execute marketing strategies to enhance the visibility and reputation of Private Patient Services, ensuring the promotion of services to a broad audience and maximising their reach. Specific marketing responsibilities will include:

  • Designing and implementing targeted campaigns to promote the units offerings to existing and potential customers.
  • Engaging with key stakeholders, including consultants and patients, to develop a strong referral network.
  • Leveraging both digital and traditional communication channels to market the units services effectively.
  • Working closely with the Communications team to align messaging and branding with Trust objectives.
  • Monitoring and analysing marketing efforts to evaluate their effectiveness and refine strategies for maximum impact.

The postholder will support any other transformational or service developments within the directorate in partnership with the Associate Director of Operations Transformation.

Leadership and Strategy :

Provide operational leadership for the PPU, ensuring services are efficient, safe, and compliant.

Develop and implement strategies to improve patient and consultant experiences.

Deputise for the Associate Director and support operational transformation initiatives.

Service Improvement:

Lead service development and transformation projects to enhance processes, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Ensure governance systems meet regulatory standards, including those from the CQC and PHIN.

Maintain high standards across private care pathways, referrals, and customer service.

Financial Management :

Oversee the PPU budget, ensuring effective income capture and minimising bad debt.

Analyse market trends to optimise pricing strategies and exploit business opportunities.

Ensure private patient services deliver a return on public investment and generate revenue for reinvestment.

Commercial Responsibilities:

Manage relationships and negotiate contracts with insurers, consultants, and other stakeholders.

Develop marketing strategies to enhance the PPUs profile and attract new business.

Monitor risks and implement measures to mitigate them effectively.

Governance and Compliance :

Ensure private care services comply with clinical, legal, and governance requirements.

Develop policies and processes to maintain NHS standards while integrating private services seamlessly.

Oversee incident management, complaints resolution, and quality improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership and Development :

Foster an inclusive and collaborative culture within the PPU team.

Lead staff appraisals, training, and professional development to maximise potential.

Build strong relationships with Trust leadership, staff, and external partners to support private patient growth.

Performance and Partnerships :

Monitor service performance and deliver strategic improvements.

Collaborate with clinical and operational leads to identify and implement growth opportunities.

Develop and present business cases to support service improvements and innovation.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Qualified health or social care professional with current professional registration
  • Master's degree or demonstrable significant experience in a senior operational management role within a health or social care organisation
  • Evidence of Continuous Professional Development

Desirable

  • Qualification in leadership within a health/social care environment.

Experience

Essential

  • Qualified health or social care professional with current professional registration
  • Demonstrable significant experience in a senior operational management role within a health or social care organisation

Skills

Essential

  • Strong expertise in private healthcare management, including financial and clinical aspects.
  • Demonstrable leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills.
  • In-depth understanding of NHS and private care regulatory requirements.

Desirable

  • The post holder must have highly specialised knowledge across a number of different functions on a full range of complex and sensitive procedures and practices relating to the provision of private patient care and must have the expertise to guide the Company and SWFT on all aspects of private care.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the ...

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